Rebecca Zasloff: Medical Student

Rebecca Zasloff: Medical Student

Andrew Poveda sits down with Rebecca Zasloff, a third‑year Duke University School of Medicine student and Harvard‑trained MPH, to explore her journey as a first‑generation Peruvian American in medicine. Rebecca earned her Master of Public Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, focusing on health and social behavior. At Duke, she is deeply involved in health equity, head and neck cancer research, and community‑centered advocacy. As a Schweitzer Fellow, she leads initiatives supporting Latino patients through navigation, mentorship, and culturally grounded care in partnership with the Duke Cancer Institute. She also serves in multiple leadership roles within the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA), including Director‑Elect for the Southeast Region and Chair of the LMSA ENT Specialty Section. Rebecca helped organize the LMSA Southeast Regional Conference, bringing together students, physicians, and leaders committed to advancing representation in medicine. In this episode, Rebecca opens up about the realities of being first‑gen, the impact of her Peruvian identity, and how pursuing both an MD and MPH has shaped her purpose, voice, and vision for the communities she serves.

Kaitlynn Chaljub: Medical Student

Andrew Poveda interviews Kaitlynn Chaljub, a medical student at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and Co‑Director of LMSA Northeast. Kaitlynn recently matched into OB/GYN at Montefiore Einstein for residency. Born and raised in New Jersey with Colombian and Peruvian roots, she shares her journey into medicine and the mindset that helped her go straight through with no gap years.

Michael Lesgart: Medical Student

Andrew Poveda interviews Michael Lesgart, a medical student at Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine and Co‑Director of LMSA Northeast. Michael recently matched into Urology and will be staying at Temple for residency. He reflects on his journey as a first‑generation student from UCLA to Temple, sharing the challenges, mentorship, and identity that shaped his path. This episode highlights the importance of representation in competitive specialties and the power of community and mentorship in medicine.

Dr. Fidencio Saldaña: Dean of Students

Dr. Fidencio Saldaña is a clinical cardiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Dean of Students at Harvard Medical School. He shares his journey as a first‑generation student from California who attended Stanford University, often navigating moments of uncertainty and feeling overwhelmed. In his role as Dean, he has mentored countless students and continues to champion equity, representation, and community in medicine. Dr. Saldaña also reflects on what it means to be an effective mentee and how students can build meaningful mentorship relationships.

Dr. David Velasquez: Internal Medicine Resident

Dr. David Velasquez is an Internal Medicine resident at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and a graduate of Harvard University where he earned his MD, MBA, and MPP. In this episode, he shares his journey of overcoming adversity as a first generation Latino student, from experiencing homelessness to becoming a physician, and how identity, resilience, community, and family shaped his path. We discuss mentorship, public health, and his future plans in cardiology.